Receive the latest real-estate updates in your inbox

Maker of cultural icons George Lucas plans to tear down a downtown San Anselmo building in order to construct a park that will permanently house bronze statutes of two of his films' most popular characters, according to the Marin Independent Journal.

The building, built in 1945, has a fresco on its side that will be preserved, the newspaper reported. That work had begun but has been halted as town officials wait for approval of a demolition permit, the newspaper reported.

Lucas will donate the land that currently houses 535-541 San Anselmo Avenue to the local Chamber of Commerce, which is on the hook for up to $200,000 to create the park. The statues then come free.

The Yoda statue will be the centerpiece of the park's fountain when it opens next summer, "in time to be able to market the town to America's Cup visitors," according to Connie Rodgers, president of the Chamber of Commerce.